93 More Cases Of Covid-19 Confirmed
Source: Vientiane Times
An additional 93 people have tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of known cases in Laos to 604.
The positive test results were obtained when 3,055 samples were tested on April 27, according to the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control.
Seventy-five of the new cases were identified in Vientiane, 11 in Champassak, four in Luang Prabang and three in Savannakhet.
Meanwhile, 405 people infected with the virus are in isolation at the Friendship Hospital and other public hospitals in Vientiane.
The rising numbers are severely straining hospital bed capacity, which at present stands at just 300.
However, the government is preparing an additional 1,200 beds at temporary facilities in Vientiane to accommodate patients when hospitals become full.
About 200 Covid-19 patients are now in a temporary hospital that has been set up at the Lao National Football Federation in Huayhong village and other temporary facilities.
The National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control outlined the latest developments on Wednesday, saying 50 Covid-19 patients were discharged from hospitals on Monday after they twice tested negative for the virus.
Of the total 604 cases, 405 have been reported in Vientiane, seven in Vientiane province, 81 in Champassak province, 22 in Savannakhet province, 14 in Bokeo, six in Saravan, two in Oudomxay, four in Luang Namtha, six in Luang Prabang, two in Phongsaly, two in Borikamxay province, one in Xayaboury, one in Xieng Khuang, and one in Khammuan province.
Authorities are considering a plan for patients with mild or no symptoms to be accommodated in quarantine centres.
Covid-19 taskforce members say there are still a number of people disobeying the lockdown rules and driving around Vientiane, adding that this makes it difficult for authorities to control the spread of the virus.
Health officials urge anyone who thinks they have come into contact with an infected person to self-isolate for 14 days.
People who need to leave their homes are advised to wear a face mask, regularly wash their hands with soap, and avoid touching their mouth and eyes, as well as maintain social distancing.
